Multiple repositories of computer resources, transparent to user

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a system for managing resources, which can take the form of (a) computer-compatible information, such as data files and programs, and (b) non-computer-compatible information, such as data contained on microfiche, and (c) physical objects. The resources are located at geographically diverse sites. The invention contains a descriptive profile for each resource, and allows any user to search all profiles, and to search the profiles according to &#34;fields&#34; (a database term), such as by location of the resources, or by category of the resources. The user can order delivery of a selected resource, and the system causes delivery of the resource to be executed, irrespective of the form (eg, physical object) of the resource. The invention allows a provider of a new resource to limit access to the resource, by identifying users who are authorized to obtain access to the resource. Non-authorized users cannot obtain access to the profiles of these resources.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is related to:

Application Ser. No. 08/217,066, now abandoned, entitled, "AutomatedResource Management System," filed concurrently herewith by Siefert etal., and assigned to the Assignee hereof.

Application Ser. No. 08/217,067, now abandoned, entitled, "FutureBoolean Searching of Multiple Repositories of Resources," filedconcurrently herewith by Siefert et al., and assigned to the Assigneehereof.

Application Ser. No. 08/217,062, now abandoned, entitled, "SecurityAspects of Computer Resource Repositories," filed concurrently herewithby Siefert et al., and assigned to the assignee hereof.

Application Ser. No. 08/217,422, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,043 entitled,"Ordering and Downloading Resources from Computerized Repositories,"filed concurrently herewith by Siefert et al., and assigned to theAssignee hereof.

Application Ser. No. 08/217,063, entitled, "Launching Computer Programupon Download of Data Created by Program," filed concurrently herewithby Siefert et al., and assigned to the Assignee hereof.

Application Ser. No. 08/218,024, entitled, "Automatic Updating ofComputer Software," filed concurrently herewith by Siefert et al., andassigned to the Assignee hereof.

Application Ser. No. 08/217,476, entitled, "Computer System forManagement of Resources," filed concurrently herewith by Siefert et al.,and assigned to the Assignee hereof.

Microfiche Appendix

A microfiche appendix, containing 3 microfiche and 207 total frames isfiled herewith.

The invention concerns management of RESOURCEs, which take the form of(a) downloadable computer data and programs and (b) physical objects,which are located at multiple REPOSITORIEs, at different sites. TheRESOURCEs appear to a user, at any given site, as though the RESOURCEswere actually present at the user's site.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A database is somewhat analogous to a card catalog of a library. Thecard catalog cross-indexes books in several ways.

For example, an "author" card exists. This card is located in thecatalog at the alphabetical position of the author's surname.

In addition, a "title" card exists, located in the alphabetical positionof the book's title. Also, a "subject" card generally exists, whichdescribes the subject of the book, and which is located in thealphabetical position of the subject, such as "pressed flowercollecting," for example. Of course, other cards can exist for a givenbook (for example, books having multiple authors generally have anauthor card for each).

In database terms, these cards represent "fields" within the database.For example, in a library, to find all of the books written by ErnestHemingway, one looks up "Hemingway" in the card catalog. All of thelibrary's books written by any Hemingway are identified by respectiveauthor cards. In a computer database, a similar search could be done,upon the "author" field.

Similar searches can be done on the title fields, as well as on thesubject fields.

Computer databases, in general, have more fields than does the cardcatalog. For example, if the card catalog were contained within acomputer database, there would probably exist a "date" field. To searchusing the "date" field, one specifies a date, or range of dates, and thedatabase responds by listing all books having a copyright which complieswith the specified date, or range.

Presently existing databases have limitations. For example, manydatabases require that a user undergo significant training in order tolearn how to use the data base. Some databases use arcane commands whichthe user must memorize.

Some databases contain only that information which is owned by thedatabase owner. Returning to the library analogy, if a public librarywere to computerize its card catalog, by entering all of the informationcontained within the card catalog into the database program, thedatabase program would, of course, only contain the card cataloginformation. A user could not, for example, gain access to the cardcatalog of a second library, in order to locate a book not owned by thefirst library. The user must go to the second library.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a system for storinginformation in a manner in which retrieval is simple.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system for storinginformation, in which entering information, as well as retrieving theinformation, is self-explanatory, and requires no resort to externalinstructions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system for storinginformation, which can communicate with other systems which storeinformation, and make available all of the information stored by allsystems.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system which allows auser to search all information contained, in multiple databases,according to key words.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system which allows auser to establish a standing search, which searches, by key words, newinformation, at specified intervals in the future.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form of the invention, multiple databases, at differentlocations, are linked together, so that a user can search all databases,as though they were a single database.

In another form of the invention, a user can search multiple databasesby category, or field, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates the concept of storing RESOURCEs within a SERVER,and the association of a PROFILE with each RESOURCE.

FIG. 1B illustrates how RESOURCEs can be divided, according to twodifferent criteria. That is, RESOURCEs can be classified as eithercontaining information or not. RESOURCEs can also be classified as beingdownloadable or not.

FIG. 1C illustrates how a client of a SERVER can gain access toRESOURCEs contained within the client's SERVER, as well as RESOURCEscontained within other SERVERs.

FIG. 1D illustrates how a SERVER can be viewed as a RESOURCE.

FIG. 1E illustrates storage of PROFILES within REGIONAL SERVERs andstorage of RESOURCEs within LOCAL SERVERs.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate screens which the invention causes to be displayedon a user's PC, during a log-on process. Most of the icons shown arespecific to the user's computer, and relate to software owned by theuser. Those contained within the box labeled "Continuous LearningSystem" are related to programs used by the invention.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate screens at Level 1, which provide options forthe user to select.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate screens displayed, at Level 2, in response toselection of the "Locate and View" option of FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate how a user undertakes a Boolean key-word search.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate screens displayed when a user downloads aRESOURCE located during a search.

FIG. 15 illustrates display of the downloaded RESOURCE, by means oflaunching of a program which generated the RESOURCE.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate modification of the search described in FIGS.9-11.

FIGS. 18-24 illustrate locating RESOURCEs based on the category in whichthe RESOURCEs are classified.

FIGS. 25-28 illustrate locating RESOURCEs based on the media upon whichthe RESOURCEs are stored.

FIGS. 29-32 illustrate locating RESOURCEs based on the REPOSITORIEs inwhich the RESOURCEs are stored.

FIG. 33 illustrates retrieval of the RESOURCE identified in FIG. 32.

FIGS. 34-37 illustrate other SYSTEMs to which the invention allows auser to gain access.

FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate returning to Level 1.

FIGS. 40-54 illustrate creation of a PROFILE associated with a RESOURCE.

FIGS. 55-59 illustrate establishing of an INTEREST, which is an order tosearch new PROFILEs at specified times in the future.

FIGS. 60 and 61 illustrate the passage of time, during which theINTEREST was searched.

FIG. 62 illustrates the results of the INTEREST search.

FIG. 63 illustrate return to Level 1.

FIG. 64 illustrates a warning given when the user attempts to exit, whendownloaded files are present, but not yet stored.

FIG. 65 illustrates layout of a typical screen displayed by a GraphicalUser Interface, GUI. The particular icons, which represent programs andinformation stored on the computer, will, of course, differ from onecomputer to another.

FIGS. 66-76 illustrate how an ADMINISTRATOR can change membership ofteams, and thereby control the TEAMs' access to RESOURCEs.

FIGS. 77 and 78 illustrate identification, on a PROFILE, of TEAMS whichmay gain access to the RESOURCEs corresponding to the PROFILE.

FIG. 79 illustrates sample search results given to a TEAM member. Themember is allowed access to all 21 RESOURCEs listed.

FIG. 80 describes following Figures.

FIGS. 81-83 illustrate a search undertaken by a user who does not haveaccess to all 21 RESOURCEs shown in FIG. 79. FIG. 83 shows the RESOURCEsto which this person has access, and the list is different from that ofFIG. 79.

FIGS. 84-96 illustrate a flow chart which describes the logic flow ofthe program contained in the microfiche appendix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION OVERVIEW SERVER Holds RESOURCEs

FIG. 1A illustrates a SERVER, which is a computer, or equivalent, whichacts as a REPOSITORY, by holding a collection of RESOURCEs, for thebenefit of microcomputers, labeled PC's. The PC's are the clients of theSERVER.

At present, for ease of explanation, the RESOURCEs can be viewed ascomputer files. However, as will be seen shortly, the RESOURCEs actuallyinclude a vastly larger, and more diverse, collection of objects thanmere computer files. RESOURCEs include (a) data, (b) information, and(c) knowledge, both as these terms are generally defined, and also asdefined by computer scientists. This data, information, and knowledgecan take the form of computer-downloadable data, or other forms, such asprinted matter. Each RESOURCE has an associated PROFILE, which containsdescriptive information about the RESOURCE. FIG. 48 illustrates anexemplary PROFILE. The user of a PC uses the PROFILEs to locatesRESOURCEs of interest by searching through the PROFILEs.

For example, each PROFILE contains a descriptive title. If a user is amanufacturer of golf equipment, and is developing a new golf ball havingimproved aerodynamic dimples, the user may search the RESOURCEs bylooking for phrases such as

"golf ball" or "aerodynamic" in combination with "golf ball"

within the PROFILEs. (This searching is standard Boolean key-wordsearching.) The invention will locate the PROFILEs, and thus theRESOURCEs, containing titles which match the search criteria.

Location of PROFILEs

FIG. 1A, as well as FIGS. 1B through 1D, indicate, for ease ofexplanation, that the PROFILEs are stored in the same SERVER as theRESOURCEs. However, the preferred method of storage is shown in FIG. 1E.Two types of SERVER exist, namely, LOCAL SERVERs and REGIONAL SERVERs.The PROFILEs are stored in the REGIONAL SERVERs. The RESOURCEs arestored in the LOCAL SERVERs.

REGIONAL SERVERs, as the name implies, serve a region, and hold thePROFILEs for RESOURCEs associated with multiple LOCAL SERVERs locatedwithin the region. Both types of SERVER (LOCAL and REGIONAL) haveADMINISTRATORs, as that term is explained later. (Of course, the sameperson can act as ADMINISTRATOR for more than one SERVER, and for bothLOCAL and REGIONAL SERVERs.)

RESOURCEs Not Limited to Computer-Type Data

The RESOURCEs are not limited to computer-type data, or files. FIG. 1Bprovides an example. That Figure shows four different types ofRESOURCEs, namely, a computer FILE (or data), a BOOK, a reel of MOVIEFILM, and a PHYSICAL OBJECT. The PHYSICAL OBJECT can take the form ofany physical object, such as a computer disc drive, or a diesel-electricrailroad locomotive. Of course, these four RESOURCEs are exemplary only;numerous different types of RESOURCEs can exist.

These RESOURCEs can be divided into two pairs of classes, based on twodifferent criteria, as indicated by the two dashed loops. One class pairis based on the fact that the BOOK, MOVIE FILM, and FILE all containinformation, although stored on different media (paper, celluloid, andmagnetic or optical media, respectively). As information, the RESOURCEscan be transmitted over a data link, such as a telephone communicationchannel, provided they are first translated into the proper format, suchas digitized data. The PHYSICAL OBJECT, in general, does not containinformation.

The second class pair is based on the fact that the BOOK, MOVIE FILM,and PHYSICAL OBJECT are all tangible material objects, while the FILE(when stored within the mass storage of the SERVER) is not. As materialobjects, the objects themselves cannot be transmitted in the same way asthe information which they contain. The objects require physicaltransportation for a user to obtain them.

All RESOURCEs, In Certain Respects, Are Treated Identically

The invention, in certain respects, treats all RESOURCEs identically,irrespective of their classification as data or material object. Forexample, every RESOURCE, irrespective of its classification, isassociated with a PROFILE. All PROFILEs, without regard toclassification, are stored, processed, and made available to the user ofa client-PC, without regard to classification.

Several examples are the following:

The user can obtain a complete list of all PROFILEs, arrangedalphabetically by title. The PROFILEs, in general, will cover RESOURCEsin both classes.

The user can obtain a complete list of PROFILEs having titles whichcontain only certain combination of words, by calling for a "booleankey-word search." The search is performed without regard toclassification (unless classification is deliberately made part of thesearch, as by requesting a search be done only of RESOURCEs held in theform of video tape).

The user can obtain a list of all PROFILEs within a specified category.

Categories are discussed below. Each PROFILE, when created, is assigneda category. (If the creator of the PROFILE does not find a suitable,pre-existing category, then the creator can establish a new category,which is added to the system.) The categories are different from the"classifications" described above. FIG. 19 illustrates exemplarycategories.

Security Aspects

This discussion has presumed that the user has access to all PROFILEsand all RESOURCEs. However, in general, a user will not have such broadaccess, but only access to those PROFILEs and RESOURCEs for which theuser has authorization. When a user performs a search, only the PROFILEsto which the user has access are displayed.

As explained later, the access is controlled by the owner of theRESOURCE. When the owner deposits a RESOURCE into a REPOSITORY, theowner can, of desired, restrict access to the RESOURCE, by designatingcertain classes of users who are allowed to see the RESOURCE. (Theaccess restriction is accomplished by placing the restrictions into thePROFILE, as later discussed.)

Access can also be limited by the ADMINISTRATOR of a system.

Multiple REPOSITORIES All Appear as Single REPOSITORY to User

The preceding discussion has been framed in terms of a single SERVER.The invention allows multiple SERVERs (ie, multiple REPOSITORIEs) to belinked together, as shown in FIG. 1C. The linking is done bycommercially available telecommunication channels.

By the linking, all RESOURCEs, contained in all SERVERs, becomeavailable to all PC's. However, the linked structure shown in FIG. 1C isvirtually invisible to the user of a given PC. To that user, allRESOURCEs, wherever located, appear as though contained within theuser's own SERVER (although the user can ascertain the location of agiven RESOURCE, if desired).

For example, the user of PC I can obtain access to the followingRESOURCEs:

RESOURCE 3, as indicated by dashed path 5;

RESOURCE 4, as indicated by dashed path 10; and

RESOURCE 6, as indicated by dashed path 8.

The user obtains this access without additional steps or procedures.That is, the fact that the RESOURCEs are located within differentSERVERs (ie, REPOSITORIES), which may be located in different cities,imposes no requirements of additional procedures. The user sees allRESOURCEs as though they were located in the user's own SERVER.

RESOURCEs Can Include SERVICEs, In Addition to REPOSITORIES

The last RESOURCE, number 6, is different from the other two RESOURCEsin the following respect. The REPOSITORY holding RESOURCE 6 is not aSERVER which runs the software of the invention. Instead, thisREPOSITORY is a commercially available data SERVICE. In 1994, three suchcommercially available SERVICEs are Compuserve, GEnie, and Paradox. (TheInventors are not endorsing these particular three SERVICEs, but onlypointing to them as providing definitions of the term "SERVICE.")

The SERVICEs use their own software to maintain their RESOURCEs.Nevertheless, the invention allows a user to obtain access to theRESOURCEs within the SERVICEs. (License fees and other considerationsare matters to be handled between the users themselves and the SERVICEs.The invention does not provide the user rights to obtain entry into, orconnection with, the SERVICEs.)

RESOURCEs Can be Viewed as REPOSITORIES

FIG. 1C can, conceptually, be viewed as shown in FIG. 1D. Other SERVERs,and the SERVICEs, are tantamount to RESOURCEs themselves. That is, theuser of a PC which is a client of SERVER 14 sees no significantdifferences between a RESOURCE located in SERVER 14 and a RESOURCElocated within another SERVER.

Any User Can Place A RESOURCE Within Any REPOSITORY

A user can create a RESOURCE, such as a computer document, within anyREPOSITORY. For example, the user of PC I in FIG. 1C can place RESOURCE15 within SERVER 16. (Provided, of course, that the ADMINISTRATOR ofSERVER 16 has given this user permission to do so. Also, SERVICEs, asopposed to SERVERs, may impose restrictions upon a user's ability toplace RESOURCEs within them.) This user, called a PROVIDER, can restrictaccess to the RESOURCE. For example, the PROVIDER can specify that onlycertain groups (or TEAMs) of other users can obtain access.

As another type of restriction to access, it is here noted thatADMINISTRATORs can, in effect, restrict access in a similar way, by atleast two different mechanisms. One, the ADMINISTRATORs determine whogains access to the SERVER under control of the ADMINISTRATOR. Two, theADMINISTRATOR can assign users of the SERVER into the TEAMS discussed inthe previous paragraph.

User Can Establish a Standing Search Order

Any user can request that the PROFILEs of newly added RESOURCEs besearched for items of interest to the user. For example, the user canrequest that the "aerodynamic dimple" search, mentioned above, beperformed upon every new PROFILE which is added to every REPOSITORY.When a phrase is found, in a PROFILE, which matches the search criteria("aerodynamic", "golf ball" etc.), the user is notified.

The standing search is done periodically, at intervals (such as oncedaily) specified by the user at the time the standing search isestablished. Then, at every interval, the invention automaticallyperforms the search. The inventors point out that the standing search isnot done upon each new PROFILE when it is added to the invention, but atthe intervals specified by the user.

Continuity Aspects

The invention, as just described, has several aspects of continuity.

The REPOSITORIES are continually being updated.

The network of connected SERVERs (ie, REPOSITORIES) shown in FIG. 1C isexpected to continually expand into a larger network, containingever-increasing SERVERs.

The users can issue standing search orders which continually search theever-increasing collection of RESOURCEs.

Because of this continuity, the invention has been given the name"Continuous Learning System", or CLS. The CLS can be further explainedby analogy to a library.

Analogy: Virtual Library

The CLS makes available to a user all of the types of materials (books,newspapers, microfilm, video tapes, etc.) which an ordinary librarymakes available to a user. (In addition, as discussed above, the CLSmakes available the PHYSICAL OBJECTs shown in FIG. 1B).

However, the CLS provides a "virtual" aspect to this library. The term"virtual" means that the CLS provides many, if not all, of the functionsof an actual library, but without requiring the physical presence ofmany of the accessories of a physical library.

For example, in an actual library, when a patron borrows a book, thebook becomes unavailable to other patrons. In contrast, under the CLS,many of the RESOURCEs (which are analogous to the library books) takethe form of downloadable data. Multiple copies can be distributed tomultiple users, so that possession by one user does not deprive anotheruser of access to the RESOURCE.

As another example, an actual library contains a card catalog. There isat least one card for each book within the library's collection. Byanalogy, the CLS contains a PROFILE for each RESOURCE. The PROFILEs giveimportant information about each RESOURCE, such as a descriptive title,the location of the RESOURCE, etc.

As yet another example, an actual library contains another type oflisting of its books, namely, a "shelf list." The shelf list enumeratesall of the books, but in order of ascending library call number, insteadof alphabetically. The shelf list tells the physical location of thebooks, since the books, on their shelves, are arranged in numericalorder, according to call number.

Of course, a more macroscopic "shelf list" is the map, found in everylibrary, which explains the locations of different groups of callnumbers.

As still another analogy, an actual library categorizes the booksaccording to subjects, in at least two different ways. One, the cardcatalog contains cards, in alphabetical order, for various subjects.Two, the Dewey Decimal System places books on similar topics atphysically neighboring places.

Therefore, viewing library books as RESOURCEs, the invention possessessome of the characteristics of a library. In addition, the inventionadds a virtual aspect to the library, as discussed above.

Further, the invention allows a user to order a RESOURCE held by aREPOSITORY, and the RESOURCE will be delivered. If the RESOURCE is ofthe down-loadable type, it will be down-loaded to the user. Otherwise, amessage is sent to the custodian of the RESOURCE, requesting physicaldelivery.

This discussion will now explain, step-by-step, how a user operates theinvention.

Exemplary Sequence of Operation

The invention is designed to run in conjunction with a Graphical UserInterface (GUI) such as Windows, available from Microsoft Corporation,Redmond, Wash., or the OS/2 operating system, available from IBMCorporation, located in Armonk, N.Y.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical display which the GUI generates after thecomputer's power-up sequence has been executed. To launch the inventioninto operation, a user actuates the icon labeled "CLS," in the usualmanner. ("CLS" is an acronym for the phrase "Continuous LearningSystem," as stated above.)

The invention responds by displaying the screen shown in FIG. 2. Thisscreen prompts the user to enter the user's LOGIN, which is the user'saccount number for computer usage. The screen also prompts the user toenter the user's PASSWORD. Exemplary LOGINs and PASSWORDs are shown inFIG. 3. (The PASSWORD is represented by cross-hatchings, because thePASSWORD is to be kept confidential. The cross-hatchings prevent anearby observer from stealing the user's PASSWORD.)

The LOGIN and PASSWORD are assigned to the user by the administrator ofthe CLS, as explained later.

After entry of the PASSWORD, the invention displays the screen shown inFIG. 4, which informs the user that the process of logging on hascommenced. When the log-on is successful, the screen shown in FIG. 5appears, which can be taken as illustrating Level 1.

This screen provides the user with four options, as indicated by thefour buttons labeled 1 through 4. These four options actually encompassa much larger range of available options, but the screen of FIG. 5presents four options for convenience of the user. In brief, these fouroptions allow the user to perform the following actions:

1. LOCATE AND VIEW

The CLS system, as a whole, can be viewed as a repository of RESOURCEs.In a general sense, the CLS can be viewed as a virtual library. That is,all of the types of materials which are found in a library are madeavailable by the CLS. However, much of the material is stored, and madeavailable to the user, in downloadable computer format. These materialsare termed RESOURCEs, and the "library" is termed a REPOSITORY.

RESOURCEs include items which are customarily stored within computerdatabases, such as computer programs and data. In addition, RESOURCEsinclude items which are not stored in computer-downloadable format.Examples of these latter RESOURCEs are newspapers, video tapes, 35millimeter films, books, microfilm, maps, and all other media which areused to carry information. Further, the concept of a RESOURCE extends tonon-informational subject matter, such as physical objects.

Every RESOURCE carries with it a PROFILE. Each PROFILE containsimportant information about the RESOURCE, such as a description of theRESOURCE, where it is located, etc. The LOCATE AND VIEW option allows auser to view the PROFILEs.

2. PROVIDE OR DISTRIBUTE

This option allows a user to add RESOURCEs to the CLS.

3. IDENTIFY INTERESTS

The CLS allows a user to search the collection of repositories forRESOURCEs in which the user is interested. Some distinctions between"LOCATE AND VIEW" and "IDENTIFY INTERESTS" are significant.

The "LOCATE AND VIEW" option allows a user to order a search, accordingto specific criteria, as discussed above. The search is done once, atthe time it is made.

The "IDENTIFY INTERESTS" option allows the user to establish a searchwhich will be done at periodic intervals in the future. The intervalsare specified by the user. CLS automatically performs the searches, atthe specified intervals, and informs the user of the results.

4. PERSONAL INFORMATION

This option allows a user to view and modify information associated withthe user's PROFILE.

This discussion will give several examples of use of these options.

EXAMPLE 1 LOCATE AND VIEW

Assume that the user actuates the LOCATE AND VIEW button, number 1, asin FIG. 6. The CLS responds by displaying the screen shown in FIG. 7.This screen offers the user eight options:

1. ALL RESOURCES. This option displays the titles of all RESOURCEs whichare available to the user.

2. GENERAL SEARCH. This option allows a user to search the PROFILEs ofall RESOURCEs in pursuit of a particular phrase. The GENERAL SEARCHallows Boolean Key-Word searching of the PROFILEs.

3. CATEGORY. This option allows a user to search the PROFILEs byCATEGORY. For example, assume that the user is a women's fashiondesigner. The CLS can contain a collection of drawings and photographsof interest to the fashion industry. The PROFILES can be divided intoCATEGORIES such as "Hats," "Shoes," "Evening Wear," Winter Wear," etc.

4. MEDIA. This option allows a user to obtain access to PROFILEs, basedon the media type. For example, one media type is video tape. Another ispaper. FIG. 26 gives further examples of types of media. Media typesinclude down-loadable computer files and data, video tapes, photographicfilm, books, audio tape, CD-ROM, and so on. Media type refers,generally, to the physical characteristics of the medium which carriesthe data.

5. REPOSITORIES. This option allows a user to view the RESOURCEsaccording to the REPOSITORY which holds them. For example, assume thatthe Library of Congress is one REPOSITORY, and the New York City PublicLibrary is another. The user can elect to view all PROFILEs of RESOURCEsof either library, by selecting the REPOSITORY.

6. SYSTEMS. This option is similar to REPOSITORIEs. This option allows auser to obtain access to commercially available SERVICEs, as that termis defined above. These SERVICEs are also called "On-Line Databases." Byselecting this option, a user can gain access to one of these services,through the CLS.

7. SAVE SEARCH AS INTEREST. This option allows a user to establish astanding search, wherein PROFILEs are searched as they are created. Forexample, if the aerodynamic golf ball maker, described above, choosesthis option for the search, then every new PROFILE which is added to thesystem is searched for the terms "aerodynamic" etc. The user is notifiedwhen a PROFILE matching the search criteria is found.

EXAMPLE CONTINUED

Assume that the user selects button 2 in FIG. 7, GENERAL SEARCH, asindicated by the highlighted button in FIG. 8. The CLS responds bydisplaying the screen shown in FIG. 9. This display prompts the user torequest a search based on three criteria (or less).

For example, assume that the user is interested in RESOURCEs having theword "UNIX" in the titles of their PROFILEs. The user enters the word"UNIX," as indicated in FIG. 10. The CLS performs a search of allREPOSITORIEs, and locates all PROFILEs having the word "UNIX" in theirtitles. FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary result of the search.

The search provides three pieces of information about each RESOURCEidentified by the search. One, the media type, as indicated in thecolumn headed "Media." The phrase "On Line" indicates that the RESOURCEis "On-Line," or in a computer-down-loadable format (as opposed to beingon paper or 35 mm film). If a RESOURCE takes a non-downloadable form,such as a 35 mm film, then the "Media" column so indicates.

The "Date/Time" column indicates the date and time when the PROFILEcorresponding to a RESOURCE was created.

The "Title" refers to the title carried by the PROFILE corresponding toeach RESOURCE.

Significantly, the screen does not indicate the location of eachRESOURCE. To the user, all RESOURCEs appear as though residing at acommon location, even though they may be scattered over a vastgeographic area. Of course, if the user wished to identify the locationsof these RESOURCEs, the user could do so, using other options describedherein.

User Retrieves Resource

Assume that the user wishes to obtain item number 7 in FIG. 11. The userhighlights this item, using a mouse (or keyboard, or other actuationdevice, such as a voice sensor), causing the display to appear as inFIG. 12. Then, the user actuates the button labeled "RETRIEVE," causingthe display to take the appearance shown in FIG. 13. The icon bearingthe sub-title "CLS Download," located at the bottom of the Figure,indicates that a down-loading operation is taking place.

After the downloading is complete, the screen shown in FIG. 14 isgenerated. This screen indicates three important facts. One fact isindicated by the background of the screen, and the heading at the top ofthe screen. The background and the heading indicate that a computerprogram was launched.

CLS examined the RESOURCE which was downloaded, and looked for indiciawhich identified a computer program which was used to create theRESOURCE. In this example, the RESOURCE was a file which was generatedby a word-processing program, namely, Microsoft Word™.

Having identified the word processing program, the CLS searched for theprogram, and launched it when CLS found it. The heading in the displayshown in FIG. 14 indicates that this program has been launched.

The second fact is that CLS caused the word processing program to loadthe RESOURCE which was downloaded, namely, that which was located duringthe search for the UNIX title.

The third fact is that the screen shown in FIG. 14 informs the user thatthe RESOURCE which has been downloaded does not exist elsewhere in theuser's computer, and, to be saved, must be saved by a specific actiontaken by the user. (Of course, the RESOURCE maintains its existence inthe REPOSITORY from which it was retrieved). The prompt in FIG. 14reminds the user to save the RESOURCE when the user exits the wordprocessing program; otherwise the RESOURCE will be lost.

FIG. 15 illustrates the display generated by the CLS after the userresponds to the prompt of FIG. 14. The RESOURCE is displayed by the sametype of word processing program which generated the RESOURCE.

As another searching example, assume that the user orders the searchshown in FIG. 16. The user orders that the CLS retrieve all PROFILEShaving both the word "unix" and the word "library" in their titles. Theresult of the search is shown in FIG. 17. The result is a single titlewhich, coincidentally, is the same as that selected for downloading asindicated in FIG. 12.

LEVEL 2 LOCATE AND VIEW BY CATEGORY

Assume that the user is at level 2 within CLS. That is, the userselected option 1 in FIG. 5, which represents Level 1.

In Level 2, the user wishes to Locate and View by CATEGORY, as indicatedby the button actuated in FIG. 18. The CLS responds by presenting a listof the CATEGORIEs of RESOURCEs which are available, as shown in FIG. 19.

This list, in general, includes RESOURCEs from multiple REPOSITORIEs.That is, the list is global in scope, because the REPOSITORIEs are,physically, located at multiple locations throughout the world.

However, the global aspect of the list is transparent to the user: tothe user, the list is simply a list of locally available RESOURCEs. Thelocation of the RESOURCEs is not emphasized to the user, partly becausethe location does not affect access: downloadable RESOURCEs areavailable immediately, while non-DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCEs are available asfast as modern transport can deliver them, typically within one day.

If the user selects a CATEGORY, as indicated by the highlighted CATEGORY"CLS-TEAM NOTES," then the CLS responds by displaying a list of theRESOURCEs contained within the CATEGORY, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.

This list is conceptually similar to the list of RESOURCEs shown in FIG.12. In that Figure, the RESOURCEs listed shared a common feature,namely: they all contained phrases in their PROFILE titles which match asearch string issued in FIG. 10. Similarly, in FIG. 20, all RESOURCEslisted share the common feature of residing the same category.

Restated: the RESOURCEs are grouped according to fixed categories, suchas those shown in FIG. 19. The RESOURCEs can also be grouped intocategories by a search call.

Assume that the user wishes to obtain the RESOURCE which is highlightedin FIG. 21. The user actuates the proper button on the screen, using amouse, and the CLS retrieves the RESOURCE. In this case, the RESOURCEtakes the form of downloadable data, so that the CLS is able to obtainthe RESOURCE, by telephone, or other data channel, from the RESOURCE'sREPOSITORY.

The CLS examines the RESOURCE, in order to ascertain whether a computerprogram is required to display the resource in its intended manner. Inthe present example, the CLS found that such a program is required, butalso found, in attempting to launch that program, that the program wasunavailable, or otherwise unsuitable for displaying the RESOURCE. Thus,the CLS displays the screen shown in FIG. 22.

This screen informs the user that the program is unavailable, andreminds the user that, to save the downloaded RESOURCE, the user musttake active steps. Otherwise, the RESOURCE will be lost, and, to beobtained again, must be retrieved from the REPOSITORY.

The CLS presents the user with the screen shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, andallows the user to save the RESOURCEs, which in this example take theform of computer files, in the usual manner.

Two examples will illustrate some important points regarding the meaningof "display in the intended manner."

EXAMPLE 1

Generally, word processing programs display their documents in formatswhich are somewhat unique to each program, and also store theirdocuments in different data formats on floppy diskettes.

For instance, consider text which should be underlined, when printed onpaper. One word processing program may display this text, on a computerdisplay, as actually underlined. Another word processing program mayinstead display this text in a different color from the surrounding,non-underlined text.

Further, the two word processing programs will probably store thedocument on floppy diskettes as different sequences of bytes. That is,the sequences stored on diskettes contain two (or more) types of data.The first type includes the bytes for the actual text of the document.ASCII codes are commonly used, although other codes exist, such asEBCDIC.

The second type includes formatting codes, which indicate specialcharacteristics of given sections of text, such as the underliningdiscussed above. Different word processing programs, in general, usedifferent codes to signal different characteristics of the text.

Thus, a given formatting code may have different meanings in differentdocuments created by different word processors. The given code may causea given piece of text to appear with underlining when displayed on oneword processor, yet cause the same text to appear as a different colorin another processor.

Further, when some processors display documents generated in anotherprocessor, they simply strip out all such codes, and display thedocument in a predetermined, default format.

The CLS identifies the program which generated the RESOURCE (such as aword processing document) which is retrieved, and attempts to launch theprogram which generated the RESOURCE, so that the RESOURCE will appearin the same manner as when it was created.

This identification is done not only for word processing documents, butfor all RESOURCEs which are retrieved, such as graphics RESOURCEs,spreadsheet RESOURCEs, and so on.

EXAMPLE 2

Multi-media systems display information to a user in several formats,simultaneously. The information can be visual, as on a computer display.The visual information can be static, as a graphic, or sheet of text.The visual information can be dynamic, as in a changing sequence ofimages, as in video or animation.

The information can also be audible, and played from a speaker.

Conceivably, the information can be tactile. For example, Morse Code canbe represented as a sequence of long and short beeps. A propertransducer can make these beeps detectable to the sense of touch, byvibrating a pad which is touched by the fingers. Visually impairedpersons may utilize such a transducer.

Another type of tactile information results from the conversion ofvisual text into Braille text. The conversion is done by anelectromechanical device, known in the art, containing a matrix ofparallel pins. The device raises the proper pins to display each letterof the visual text in the proper Braille format.

There are numerous other formats of information display. Theidentification process under discussion examines a RESOURCE which isdownloaded, and ascertains whether additional files, information, ordata are required to generate a presentation for the user in the formatintended by the RESOURCE.

The invention locates the necessary files and information, and launchesthe proper computer programs necessary for communication with the user,in the manner intended by the RESOURCE.

Alternate Procedures

It is possible to establish a procedure for running a suitablealternative program, for displaying a RESOURCE, when a given program isnot available. For example, if a RESOURCE requires a particular wordprocessing program, and if that program is unavailable when the RESOURCEis downloaded, then the CLS can be programmed to run another program,such as an earlier version of the given program, or another programentirely.

A variation of launching the program can be taken with RESOURCEs whichtake the form of compressed data files. For example, the suffix ".zip"is commonly attached to files which are in compressed format, andrequire de-compression for use. When the CLS examines the file, it willsee the suffix, and launch the proper de-compression program to unpackthe file. Then, after unpacking, the CLS again examines the file toascertain the program which will display the file in its intendedmanner.

LEVEL 2 LOCATE AND VIEW, MEDIA

Assume that the user is at level 2 within the CLS. That is, the userselected option 1 in FIG. 5, which represents Level 1, and advanced toLevel 2.

In Level 2, the user wishes to Locate and View RESOURCEs by MEDIA type,as indicated by the button actuated in FIG. 25. The CLS responds bypresenting a list of the different types of MEDIA on which RESOURCEs arestored, as shown in FIG. 26.

Assume that a user wishes to view a list of all RESOURCEs taking theform of video MEDIA (eg, videotape cassettes on VHS or Beta format, andone-inch or two-inch reel tape). The user highlights the "Video" entry,as in FIG. 27, and the CLS responds with a list of all RESOURCEs storedin video format, as indicated in FIG. 28.

As the screen indicates, the user can select a RESOURCE, and then viewthe PROFILE associated with that RESOURCE. In addition, the user canretrieve the RESOURCE.

If the RESOURCE takes the form of down-loadable data, then the RESOURCEis downloaded in the usual manner. However, in the case of video MEDIA,the REPOSITORY holding the RESOURCE may not possess equipment capable ofdownloading the video by a data link to the user. (That is, the MEDIAmay take the form of a videocassette tape. Data stored on such tape canbe analog data, rather than digital data. Analog data is not directlydownloadable.)

In this case, the CLS informs the user of the inability to download, andinquires whether the user wishes to request that the RESOURCE bephysically delivered to the user. If so, the CLS notifies the REPOSITORYholding the RESOURCE of the user's request. This notification takes theform of a message sent to the ADMINISTRATOR of the REPOSITORY inquestion, using the CLS. Alternately, the notification can take the formof the CLS sending a message by a commercially available electronic mailservice. Sometimes, for added reliability, both types of notificationcan be undertaken.

It is possible to add the following feature to the CLS. When a userplaces an order for retrieval of a physical object, such as the videotape in the present example, the CLS, in addition to notifying theREPOSITORY of the request, also notifies a transportation agent.

For example, if both the user and the REPOSITORY are affiliated with thesame business organization, the CLS can notify the organization's mailservice that the REPOSITORY will soon have a parcel ready for delivery.The mail service takes the appropriate steps to pick up the parcel.

In addition, the CLS can be arranged such that the PROFILEs of RESOURCEswhich are non-downloadable contain relevant shipment information, suchas a notation that the RESOURCE is especially delicate, large, or heavy.When a user requests physical delivery of a RESOURCE, the CLS examinesthe PROFILE, learns whether relevant shipment information exists, andforewarns the transportation agent of the information.

For example, when the CLS informs the mail service that a parcel (thevideo tape) will be awaiting retrieval at the REPOSITORY, the CLS alsoinforms the mail service of the size of the parcel (very small) so thatthe mail service knows whether special preparations are required for thepick-up.

As an alternative to notifying an internal mail service, the CLS maynotify a public, common carrier, of the impending shipment, and requestthat carrier to pick up the parcel. This notification can beaccomplished by using commercially available electronic mail services.

As another alternate, as FIG. 96 indicates, the user may choose that afacsimile message (or FAX) be sent, requesting order of the RESOURCE.One implementation of this FAXing capability requires that the LOCALSERVER, or the user's PC, be equipped with a facsimile modem, which areknown in the art. The content of the FAX is a predetermined "form"letter, to which CLS adds the identify of the RESOURCE, plus otherordering information required by the custodian of the RESOURCE.

Classification of RESOURCEs

RESOURCEs can be classified as "physical," as physical objects, such asflex diskettes, videotapes, etc., or "soft," as in computer-downloadableRESOURCEs, such as software.

When a user orders a "physical" RESOURCE, a message, as discussed above,is sent to the custodian of the RESOURCE, requesting delivery. When auser orders a "soft" RESOURCE, the RESOURCE is downloaded to the userdirectly.

Features of Display of FIG. 26

FIG. 26 displays a list of RESOURCEs, containing both "soft" and"physical" RESOURCEs. The "On Line" entry contains soft RESOURCEs, whilemost of the remainder are physical RESOURCEs.

When the user orders one of the physical RESOURCEs, the informationwhich CLS transmits to the custodian of the RESOURCE is in a formatwhich facilitates automatic order-filling by the custodian, if thecustodian is so equipped.

For example, a common electronic mail message will contain the orderinguser's name and address. This information is in an electronic formatwhich is easy to assimilate into custodian's inventory management, orproduct ordering. That is, the information is contained within a datafile which the custodian can retrieve into the system which handles thecustodian's order entry system. The custodian can manually transfer theordering information (such purchaser's name and address) to the filesused in filling orders. Alternately, the custodian can be equipped witha computer program which searches the electronic mail message forordering information, and automatically loads the information into thecustodian's order-filling software system. An example will illustrate.

Assume that the electronic mail message contains the following text:

Item ordered: Stock number ABC 123

Purchaser: John Blank

Address: 4343 Oak Terrace, Dayton, Ohio 45479

How to Bill: (Credit Card or Internal or Send Bill)

Credit Card Number: 1111 2222 3333 4444

The custodian's program searches the text for the phrase "Item ordered."When the program finds this text, it then searches the subsequent textfor the stock number to be ordered, and copies the stock number to theorder-filling file.

The program copies the rest of the information to the order-filling filein a similar manner. (The "How to Bill" phrase is followed by threepossibilities. The ordering person selects one of these, as by enteringa numeral "1", "2", or "3". The custodian's program detects theselection, and sets into motion the proper billing action.

Different custodians, in general, will require different items ofinformation. Once the items are known, and the message format isestablished by the ADMINISTRATOR, the message which CLS sends to thecustodians will contain all information which is necessary forcompletion of a normal business transaction, resulting in transfer ofthe ordered RESOURCE. And, as described above, the message canautomatically trigger initiation of the ordering process.

LOCATE AND VIEW, BY REPOSITORIEs

Assume that the user is at level 2 within the CLS. That is, the userselected option 1 in FIG. 5, which represents Level 1.

In Level 2, the user now wishes to Locate and View by REPOSITORY, asindicated by the button actuated in FIG. 29. In response, the CLSdisplays all REPOSITORIEs holding RESOURCEs, as indicated in FIG. 30.Assume that the user selects the REPOSITORY "Marketing Core ServerTeam," as indicated by the highlighted entry in the Figure.

In response, the CLS displays the RESOURCEs held by the selectedREPOSITORY, as indicated in FIGS. 31 and 32. Assume that the userselects the RESOURCE entitled "Windows NT `The Right Choice`", asindicated by the highlighted entry in FIG. 32.

In response, the CLS retrieves the RESOURCE and examines (as explainedabove) the RESOURCE to ascertain which, if any, program is required todisplay the RESOURCE. This particular RESOURCE requires the programentitled "Powerpoint," available from Microsoft Corporation, asindicated by the suffix ".PPT" contained in the name of the RESOURCE.

The CLS launches the Powerpoint program, and loads the RESOURCE into theprogram, thereby displaying the RESOURCE in its intended format, asindicated in FIG. 33.

LOCATE AND VIEW, BY SYSTEMs

Assume that the user is at level 2 within the CLS. That is, the userselected option 1 in FIG. 5, which represents Level 1.

In Level 2, the user now wishes to Locate and View by SYSTEMs, asindicated by the button actuated in FIG. 34. In response, the CLSprovides a list of systems which are available to the user, as shown inFIG. 35.

The term "system" refers to organizations which maintain collections ofinformation, such as stock market reports, newspapers, magazines, and soon, which are downloadable to a user. Three exemplary SYSTEMs wereidentified above.

When the user selects a SYSTEM, as indicated in FIG. 36, the CLSconnects the user with that SYSTEM. The user obtains access to thesystem, and obtains the same use of the system as if the user hadconnected to the system outside the CLS. When the connection is madewith a SYSTEM, the CLS displays an appropriate screen, such as thatshown in FIG. 37.

Adding a RESOURCE to a REPOSITORY

The user can return to Level 1 by actuating the button shown in FIG. 38,which causes the screen shown in FIG. 39 to be displayed. The CLS hasreturned the user to Level 1.

Assume that the user selects option #2, "Provide and Distribute." Inresponse to this option, the CLS displays the screen shown in FIG. 40,which allows the user to select the "Provide" option, as indicated. Ifthe user selects the "Provide" option, the CLS responds with the screenshown in FIG. 41.

This screen represents the PROFILE of the RESOURCE which the user isabout to provide to a REPOSITORY. The user fills out the PROFILE in theusual manner, as by the sequence illustrated by FIGS. 41-49. Severalpoints are significant.

The user, who is now a PROVIDER, declares an "Access Level," byselecting a box at the upper right part of FIG. 41. If the user selects"Public," then any person gaining access to the CLS can obtain access tothe RESOURCE now being added.

If the user selects "Organization" or "Team," then only those members ofthe user's respective organization or team can gain access. If the userbelongs to many teams or organizations, the CLS asks the user to specifythose to whom access should be granted.

The "Resource Title" is, of course, the title which appears on thePROFILE. When another user, at a later time, performs searches using theCLS, this title will appear in the list of titles returned to the lateruser.

The "Resource Category" refers to the "Category" described in connectionwith FIGS. 18-21. The RESOURCE now being created will become locatedwithin the CATEGORY specified on the PROFILE in FIG. 41. Whenever alater user searches this CATEGORY, the title of the newly createdRESOURCE will be found. (Of course, if the new RESOURCE has accesslimited to a particular "Team," and if the later user is not a member ofthis "Team," then the later user will not see the title when anysearches are performed. This aspect is described near the end of theSpecification.)

If the PROVIDER finds the CATEGORIEs which CLS provides to be unsuitable(these have been created previously by other users of the system), thenthe PROVIDER can create a new CATEGORY. The PROVIDER does this bychoosing the option "OTHER," which is presented when the PROVIDERactuates the box labeled "INFORMATION CATEGORY" in FIGS. 41-49. The newCATEGORY is then added to the list of CATEGORIEs, and is shown to allusers who subsequently elect to view the CATEGORIEs.

"Repository" in FIG. 41 refers to the REPOSITORY which will receive andthen maintain the RESOURCE.

"Media" refers to the media type, such as those shown in FIG. 27.

"Bitmap" refers to a graphical image, or picture, which the PROVIDER canassociate with the PROFILE. FIGS. 46 and 47 illustrate how the PROVIDERidentifies the file which contains this image, at the time of creationof the PROFILE. Once the file has been identified, CLS stores it withthe PROFILE. At subsequent times, when other users call up the PROFILE,they can actuate the "Bitmap" option, and CLS will display the graphicalimage.

For example, if the PROFILE's RESOURCE is a physical object, such as afuel pump for an automobile, the graphical image may take the form of apicture of the pump.

Searching for Resource Just Created

FIGS. 41-49 described creating a PROFILE for a new RESOURCE. It wasentitled "Test Resource for Training," as indicated in FIG. 49. FIG. 50illustrates a search request, undertaken under the LOCATE AND VIEWoption, done in pursuit of this newly created RESOURCE.

FIG. 51 illustrates the results of the search. The new RESOURCE ishighlighted by the user, and the RESOURCE PROFILE option is selected. Ifthe user actuates the button labeled "Resource Profile," located at theupper right part of the Figure, CLS displays the PROFILE of thishighlighted RESOURCE, as shown in FIG. 52.

(If the user selects the "E-Mail" option, by actuating the proper buttonat the bottom of the Figure, but if the E-Mail option is unavailable,then CLS responds with the message shown in FIG. 53.) This messageindicates that the file could not be mailed electronically, butspecifies the location of the RESOURCE, and inquires whether the userwishes to view the RESOURCE. If the user selects YES, then CLS displaysthe RESOURCE, as shown in FIG. 54.

ESTABLISHING A STANDING SEARCH (LEVEL 1--IDENTIFY INTERESTs)

In brief, this option allows a user to establish a standing search,analogous to a search described in FIGS. 9-12, above. However, thisstanding search examines new RESOURCEs shortly after they are added totheir REPOSITORIEs, instead of searching the REPOSITORIEs immediately.How often the standing search is executed is controlled by the user.

Thus, if a user is interested in new developments in, say, pediatricmedicine, the user would establish a standing search in the appropriatecategory for the subject of interest. The user accomplishes this asfollows.

At Level 1, as indicated in FIG. 55, a user can select option #3,"Identify Interests." The CLS responds by displaying the screen shown inFIG. 56. Assume that the user selects option #2, "Add/Delete Interests."

The CLS displays the screen shown in FIG. 57, which invites the user toenter a phrase which describes the interest. The user can enter a phraseor, as indicated in FIG. 58, opt to view the user's presentlyestablished INTERESTs (if any exist). FIG. 59 illustrates the presentINTERESTs, namely, "CLS." This INTEREST was saved after a previoussearch was performed.

Irrespective of the particular manner in which the user creates anINTEREST (either by (a) direct entry of a phrase in FIG. 58, (b) byrecalling a previous interest, or (c) by modification of the previousinterest) the CLS acts upon the interest in the following way.

The CLS, automatically, searches each new PROFILE, at the timesspecified by the user when the INTEREST was created, according to thesearch criteria established by the INTEREST.

During a search, if the search criteria are fulfilled, the CLS notifiesthe user. The CLS accomplishes the notification by placing a small iconon the screen of the user's computer. This icon does not disrupt anycurrent activity of the user. One such icon is that located in the lowerleft corner of FIG. 5, indicating "9 notifications," meaning that ninePROFILEs were found which match the standing search, or INTEREST.

The user can view the search results, as shown in FIG. 62, by actuatingthe button at the lower left, associated with the phrase "10notifications." The search results are then displayed, as shown in FIG.62.

FIG. 60 illustrates a screen from which a user may exit. Upon exiting,the GUI will display a screen of the type shown in FIG. 61. The iconcontaining the number "10" and labeled "NCR Continuous Learning"indicates the results of a standing search, or INTEREST. To view thesearch results from this level, the user actuates this icon, whichcauses the display shown in FIG. 62 to be generated. The display liststhe PROFILEs found which match the search criteria.

REMINDER TO SAVE UPON EXITING

When a user wishes to exit the CLS, the user actuates the exit button,as shown in FIG. 63. If the CLS contains local files, which have beendownloaded, but not yet saved, the CLS reminds the user of this fact atthis time, by means of the screen shown in FIG. 64. The user takesappropriate action. (Of course, the originals of the downloaded itemsare still located at their respective RESOURCEs, and are not lost if theuser does not heed the warning screen shown in FIG. 64.)

Upon exiting the CLS, the Graphical User Interface displays a screenresembling that in FIG. 65.

MODIFICATION OF TEAM MEMBERSHIP

FIG. 66 explains the fact that the CLS Administrators manage themembership of teams, and provides a scenario wherein subsequent Figuresillustrate modification of team membership. These screens are availableonly to the Administrator of the SERVER running CLS, and not to theusers.

In FIG. 67, the Administrator actuates the MEMBERSHIP button. The CLSresponds with a list of members, as shown in FIG. 68, together with theteam affiliation of each. The team affiliation follows the symbol "@".

In FIG. 69, the Administrator clicks the ADD button, because theAdministrator wishes to add a member to a team. The CLS responds bydisplaying the screen shown in FIG. 70. The Administrator provides theinformation requested, and actuates the proper buttons on the screen.

The CLS adds the person identified in the screen shown in FIG. 70 to theproper team. The membership of the new team can be viewed as shown inFIG. 71.

The screen of FIG. 71 can also be used as a launching point to modifymembership of the TEAMs under the control of the Administrator. (TheAdministrator of each SERVER handles the TEAM membership of thatSERVER.) The Administrator actuates the button TEAMs, causing the CLS todisplay the screen shown in FIG. 72. For simplicity, a single team isillustrated, namely "CLS ADMIN USERS."

The Administrator actuates the MODIFY button, causing the CLS to displaythe screen shown in FIG. 73. The upper frame lists the current membersof the TEAM selected in FIG. 72. The lower frame provides a roster ofpossible members. This roster includes all users which the SERVER, undercontrol of the ADMINISTRATOR, serves.

The ADMINISTRATOR selects users in the lower frame to be added to theTEAM, as indicated by the highlighting in FIG. 74, and then actuates theADD button, as shown in FIG. 75. The CLS adds the selected users to theTEAM, as indicated in FIG. 76.

CREATING A RESOURCE WHICH IS LIMITED TO SPECIFIC TEAMS

FIG. 77 illustrates a PROFILE of an exemplary RESOURCE which is beingcreated by the ADMINISTRATOR, and which is entitled "CONFIDENTIAL REPORTON CLS SECURITY REQUIREMENTS." The PROFILE is generated as shown in FIG.78, and, as indicated, access to it has been restricted by the entryadjacent the symbol "CLS ADMIN USERS."

To illustrate the restricted access to the RESOURCE (after its creation)the ADMINISTRATOR first performs a SEARCH (using steps not shown, butexplained above, in connection with FIGS. 10-12) which would ordinarilylocate the newly created RESOURCE. The results of the search are shownin FIG. 79. The "CONFIDENTIAL REPORT . . . ", which is the RESOURCE justcreated, appears at the bottom of the list.

Then, as explained in FIG. 80, the Administrator simulates a search runby a user who is not a member of any team which has been granted accessto this "CONFIDENTIAL REPORT . . . " As indicated by FIGS. 80 and 81,the non-TEAM member performs a search which would, ordinarily, locatethe "CONFIDENTIAL REPORT . . . " However, FIG. 83 shows the searchresults, which omit the "CONFIDENTIAL REPORT . . . " from the list ofRESOURCES available to this user.

This sequence illustrates the fact that the creator of a RESOURCEcontrols the access to the RESOURCE, by identifying the TEAMS which cangain access to the RESOURCE.

Flow Chart of Programs

FIGS. 84-96 illustrate a flow chart of the logic followed by the programcontained in the microfiche appendix. This program was written to run oncomputers using the 80×86 family of microprocessors, available fromIntel Corporation. The microfiche appendix, together with the flowchart, will allow a user to write code which can run on otherprocessors.

In the flow chart, the word "illustration" refers to the patent Figures.For example, in flow chart FIG. 84, the fourth paragraph in the largebox states: "See illustration 6 . . . " "Illustration 6" refers to FIG.6.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FILES

The files identified in the flow chart are summarized as follows.

1. MAINCAT1.OBS--Purpose: main screen.

Generates four icon-buttons, namely,

(1) Locate & View (refers to MAINCAT2),

(2) Identify Interests (refers to MAINCAT3),

(3) Personal Information (refers to MAINCAT), and

(4) Provide or Distribute (refers to MAINCAT5).

Subscription Alert, Checks & Button

2. MAINCAT2.OBS--Locate & View screen

Generates eight icon-buttons, namely,

(1) Resource Catalog (A to Z) (refers to MAINCAT1),

(2) Search (refers to SRCHNEW),

(3) Resource Catalog--Categories (refers to MAINCAT1),

(4) Media, Search by (refers to MAINCAT1),

(5) Repositories, Search by (refers to MAINCAT1),

(6) Systems (refers to MAINCAT1),

(7) Save as Interest (refers to PROFILE), and

(8) Return to Main Menu.

3. MAINCAT3.OBS--Identify interests screen.

Generates two icon-buttons, namely,

(1) View Interests (refers to PROFILE), and

(2) Interests Administration (refers to PROFILE).

4. MAINCAT4.OBS--Personal information screen.

Generates two icon-buttons, namely,

(1) View Personal Profile (refers to USER2), and

(2) Change Password (refers to PWDCHG).

5. MAINCAT.OBS--Provide or Distribute System.

Generates two icon-buttons, namely,

(1) Provide (refers to CATADMIN), and

(2) Membership (Administration Only) (refers to MEMBERS N/A).

6. CAT1.OBS--Interactive screen to Locate & View by "A to Z," Category,Media, Repository, and also for viewing alternate Systems reachable fromCLS (refers to RESULTS.OBS).

7. SRCHNEW.OBS--General search screen; user-interactive screen forsearch of the CLS database by logical combinations of title,description, and date (refers to RESULTS.OBS).

8. RESULTS.OBS--Results screen (includes number of entries found insearch, list of entries, "more info" button, OK, and Cancel buttons).Key function cataloginfo(): gets profile information and, if needed,retrieves the corresponding file and opens it locally in appropriateapplication; may call CATDBF1 to display profile.

9. PROFILE.OBS, PROFILE1.OBS--Screen to add or delete interests.

10. CATADMIN.OBS--Screen to administer accessible resource profiles(especially New, Modify, Delete). (Refers also to NCRCAT.INC (especiallyGetinfo() function, called by Modify(). Also refers to DIALOG. OBS.)

Important subroutines: Commit() (OK), Modify(), and FID206() (Delete).

11. MEMBERS.OBS--Screen lists all members of teams, and allowsAdministrator to add, modify, and delete members. (Refers toUSERADM.OBS.)

12. CATDBF1.OBS--Shows profile data and also information on contact andfunctions to request more information directly from contact. Can alsoretrieve corresponding "On-Line" file and open it locally in appropriateapplication, in manner similar to RESULTS.OBS. (Refers to QTY.OBV.)

13. USERADMIN.OBS--Screen to add, modify, or delete members from theCLS. (Refers to NEWORG.OBS.)

14. CLNSIGN1.OBS--Purpose: initial sign-on for the CLS. See FIG. 3.Verify( ) performs the single logon to the SERVER. (Server$ appears onlyhere.)

15. PWDCHG.OBS--Screen to allow users to change their own passwords.

16. USER2.OBS--Screen to allow user to view his or her personalinformation profile (eg, name, e-mail address, user environment). Theinformation is maintained and edited only by the Administrator.

17. NEWORG.OBS--Screen for use by CLS Administrator to define"organization" (as used in CATADMIN for "IPD Only"/"Organization"checkbox.)

18. DIALOG.OBS--For adding "Bitmap"/"Preview" from SUB FID257 inCATADMIN.OBS.

19. ABOUT.OBS--Screen gives CLS version and system information, andaccess to CREDITS.OBV.

20. ADVISOR.OBS--Activated from MAINCAT1.OBS, lines 593 and 616. Thismodule executes the display of the list of supplemental operatinginstructions, described in point number 7, below.

21. ALERT.OBS--Activated from MAINCAT1.OBS, line 590. This module allowsan ADMINISTRATOR to privately communicate with a selected user, asdescribed in point number 8, below.

22. CLNSAVE.OBS--Screen for saving files from CLS.

23. CLSINTRO.OBS--Relates to a screen displayed before CLS runs.

24. CREDITS.OBS--Credits for CLS product.

Additional Considerations

1. Each REPOSITORY takes the form of mass memory which is associatedwith a computer, which is called a SERVER. (Alternately, the REPOSITORYcan include both the SERVER and the mass memory.)

The REPOSITORIEs hold the PROFILEs of the RESOURCEs. Some RESOURCEs aredownloadable, and are stored in the mass memory. Other RESOURCEs are notdownloadable, and will be stored at a location designated on theirrespective PROFILEs.

The invention links all REPOSITORIEs together, in a manner which istransparent to the user. For example, as discussed above, a user canrequest a listing of the titles of all RESOURCEs, no matter whichREPOSITORIEs hold the RESOURCEs.

The listing appears, to the user, as though all RESOURCEs are located ina single REPOSITORY, although, in general, such is not the case:multiple REPOSITORIEs are involved.

Of course, if the user calls for a particular PROFILE whose titleappears in the listing, the PROFILE identifies the REPOSITORY. If theuser examines several PROFILEs, it will become clear that multipleREPOSITORIEs are involved.

From another point of view, every user can obtain access to the PROFILEscontained in all REPOSITORIEs (subject to the access/securityrestrictions discussed above.) These PROFILEs can be searched presently(or as they are created, by establishing an INTEREST), without regard tothe fact that multiple REPOSITORIEs hold the PROFILEs.

In addition, every user can obtain any RESOURCE, identified in aPROFILE, no matter which REPOSITORY holds it (subject, again, to thesecurity restrictions.)

Thus, despite the fact that the RESOURCEs and their PROFILEs aredistributed over multiple REPOSITORIEs, which themselves can bedistributed world-wide geographically, the user deals with them asthough they were located in a single place.

As stated earlier, the soft RESOURCEs are located at local SERVERs. ThePROFILEs are located in REGIONAL SERVERs.

2. When a RESOURCE is downloaded to a SERVER, the invention examines theRESOURCE in an attempt to identify whether a computer program should belaunched, or other actions taken, in order to properly display theRESOURCE. One type of examination involves looking at the file name ofthe RESOURCE. For example, the file name "Letter.doc" is interpreted ashaving been created by a word processor which customarily adds thesuffix "doc" to its files.

When the invention finds this suffix "doc", the invention consults alook-up table, finds the program which uses the suffix "doc", and thenattempts to locate the program, launch it, and load the RESOURCE intoit.

Another type of examination involves examining data contained in aheader of the RESOURCE. These examinations can collectively be describedas looking for indicia which identify the program which generated theRESOURCE.

3. One significant feature of the invention is that all possible optionsavailable to a user are displayed on the screens generated by theinvention. Selecting an option is self-explanatory: a pointing device isused (for example).

Providing information which the option requires is alsoself-explanatory: the user fills in blanks, such as those shown in FIG.45 (which relate to PROFILEs), using a keyboard.

This feature eliminates a need for the user to remember arcane computercommands, and reduces time required to learn how to use the invention.

4. As discussed above, the PROFILEs are stored in REGIONAL SERVERs,while the downloadable RESOURCEs are stored in LOCAL SERVERs. A physicalRESOURCE, described by a PROFILE stored in a REGIONAL SERVER, can bestored at any convenient location.

Multiple REGIONAL SERVERs, all storing identical collections ofPROFILEs, in order to enhance performance. That is, multiple REGIONALSERVERs can provide faster response to numerous users than can a singleREGIONAL SERVER.

5. FIG. 95 indicates that the files MEMBERSHIP.OBV and MEMBERSHIP.OBSare not included in the microfiche appendix. The reason is that thesefiles contain the actual membership lists. These lists are created bythe user of CLS.

6. FIG. 2 contains the phrase, in faint grey lettering, "CLS Overview."This represents an option for the user to view a six-screen tutorialwhich explains how to use the CLS system. The tutorial automatically isshown when a user logs on for the first time. The user can de-activatethe tutorial, which causes the option to be displayed in grayed text, asin FIG. 2.

7. It has been found that users pose questions to the ADMINISTRATORregarding operation of the system. These questions are delivered to theADMINISTRATOR in any convenient manner, such as by telephone, letter,electronic mail, etc.

The invention allows the ADMINISTRATOR to provide to the users a list ofthese questions, together with answers to the questions (or any selectedgroup of questions-and-answers). The users obtain access to thesequestions by the button in FIG. 5 labeled "CLS Advisor."

In practice, the ADMINISTRATOR will continually update the list ofquestions, thus providing a continually updated list of instructions foroperating the system.

8. CLS makes provision for the ADMINISTRATORs to send private messagesto single users. When the message arrives, an icon appears on the user'sscreen, informing the user of the message.

Definitions. The terms used herein have established meanings in the art.Some additional definitions are the following.

The term "Personal Computer," or PC, has been used. It is to beunderstood that this term is not limited to the specific set ofmicrocomputers having an architecture designed around the 8XX86microprocessor manufactured by Intel Corporation. Rather, the termrefers to microcomputers generically, and includes, for example, desktopcomputers, laptop computers, workstations, and terminals. The termincludes machines designed according to different architectures andusing different processors.

SERVERs are computers, and frequently take the form of large,mainframes. However, as computer technology evolves, the power ofmainframes is becoming available in much smaller devices.

A significant feature of the invention is that the invention allows agiven PC to act as either a SERVER or as a CLIENT of a SERVER.

RESOURCEs have been described above. RESOURCEs are located inREPOSITORIEs. If a RESOURCE takes the form of downloadable data, thensuch a RESOURCE will most likely be stored in mass storage (eg, discdrives or tape systems) of a SERVER.

However, it is not required that this mass storage be directly"on-line." That is, for example, a given RESOURCE may be stored onmagnetic media, such as magnetic tape or floppy diskettes, which arekept on storage racks. While the media are located on the racks, theycannot be read by a computer, and are not considered "on-line." Toobtain access to the data, the tapes or discs must be loaded ontoappropriate drives.

If a RESOURCE takes the form of a physical object, then the RESOURCE isstored in the same manner as others of its type, as in a warehouse.

PROFILEs are collections of information which describe RESOURCEs.

Numerous substitutions and modifications can be undertaken withoutdeparting from the true spirit and scope of the invention. What isdesired to be secured by Letters Patent is the invention as defined inthe following claims.

I claim:
 1. A computerized collection of electronic databases, eachunder independent control as to data content, comprising:(a) multipleSERVERs, the SERVERs being grouped into multiple LOCAL SERVERs andREGIONAL SERVERs, each of the multiple LOCAL SERVERs comprising meansfor storing RESOURCEs therein, each of the REGIONAL SERVERs comprisingmeans for storing multiple PROFILEs, each of the PROFILEs beingdescriptive of a respective RESOURCE within a LOCAL SERVER, wherein theLOCAL and REGIONAL SERVERs are linked together for electronicallytransferring the multiple PROFILEs and the multiple RESOURCEstherebetween; and (b) means for allowing any client of any of themultiple LOCAL SERVERs to obtain access to all of the stored PROFILEs onthe REGIONAL SERVERs and means for allowing any client to electronicallyorder delivery of any RESOURCE on the LOCAL SERVERS described in aPROFILE accessed by the client, said PROFILEs being stored on a databasedifferent to the RESOURCEs database.
 2. The computerized collection ofdatabases according to claim 1, in which the PROFILEs are descriptive oftheir respective RESOURCEs to an average person, unfamiliar with theRESOURCEs.
 3. A computerized collection of electronic databases, eachunder independent control as to data content, comprising:(a) multipleSERVERs, the SERVERs being grouped into LOCAL SERVERs and REGIONALSERVERs, each of the multiple LOCAL SERVERs comprising means for storingRESOURCEs in electronic databases thereon, each of the REGIONAL SERVERscomprising means for storing PROFILEs of RESOURCEs associated with oneor more of the LOCAL SERVERs in electronic databases thereon, each ofthe PROFILEs containing descriptive information about one or more of theRESOURCEs, wherein the LOCAL and REGIONAL SERVERs are linked togetherfor electronically transferring the multiple PROFILEs and the multipleRESOURCEs therebetween; and (b) means for allowing a client of any ofthe multiple LOCAL SERVERs to generate a list of the contents of allelectronic databases on the LOCAL and REGIONAL SERVERs, said PROFILEsbeing stored on a database different to the RESOURCEs database.
 4. Acomputerized group of REPOSITORIES, each containing data RESOURCEsstored in various types of media, and each administered independently,comprising:(a) one or more REPOSITORIES, each of the REPOSITORIEScomprising one or more SERVERs, the SERVERs being grouped into LOCALSERVERs and REGIONAL SERVERs, each of the LOCAL SERVERs comprising meansfor storing RESOURCEs therein, each of the REGIONAL SERVERs comprisingmeans for storing PROFILEs of RESOURCEs associated with one or more ofthe LOCAL SERVERs therein, each of the PROFILEs containing descriptiveinformation about one or more of the RESOURCEs, wherein the LOCAL andREGIONAL SERVERs are linked together for electronically transferring thePROFILEs and RESOURCEs therebetween; and (b) means for allowing a clientof any REPOSITORY to select one or more of the following options:(i)option to view a descriptive list of all RESOURCEs contained in allREPOSITORIES; (ii) option to select a type of media and view a list ofall RESOURCEs stored on the selected type of media; (iii) option to viewa list of all RESOURCEs stored in a particular REPOSITORY; (c) means forallowing said client to run a search of the description list, and (d)said PROFILEs being stored on a database different to the RESOURCEsdatabase.
 5. The computerized group of REPOSITORIES according to claim 4wherein the means for allowing a client of any REPOSITORY to select oneor more of the following options further comprises:(iv) option to run anautomated search of a specified subset of the descriptive list.
 6. Thecomputerized group of REPOSITORIES according to claim 4 wherein themeans for allowing a client of any REPOSITORY to select one or more ofthe following options further comprises:(iv) options to run, atspecified times in the future, an automated search of a specified subsetof the descriptive list.
 7. The computerized group of REPOSITORIESaccording to claim 4, in which the various types of media include thefollowing:magnetic disc and video tape.
 8. The computerized group ofREPOSITORIES according to claim 7, in which the various types of mediafurther include paper.
 9. The computerized group of REPOSITORIESaccording to claim 4, in which the various types of media include thefollowing:magnetic disc and paper.
 10. The computerized group ofREPOSITORIES according to claim 9, in which the various types of mediafurther include video tape.
 11. The computerized group of REPOSITORIESaccording to claim 4, in which the various types of media include thefollowing:magnetic disc and photographic film.
 12. The computerizedgroup of REPOSITORIES according to claim 11, in which the various typesof media further include paper.
 13. The computerized group ofREPOSITORIES according to claim 4, in which the RESOURCEs includenon-data RESOURCES, such non-data RESOURCES being physical objects,which are not downloadable by computer.
 14. A computerized collection ofelectronic databases, each under independent control as to data content,comprising:(a) multiple SERVERs, the SERVERs being grouped into LOCALSERVERs and REGIONAL SERVERs, each of the LOCAL SERVERs comprising meansfor storing RESOURCEs therein, each of the REGIONAL SERVERs comprisingmeans for storing multiple PROFILEs, each of the PROFILEs descriptive ofa respective RESOURCE within a LOCAL SERVER, wherein the LOCAL andREGIONAL SERVERs are linked together for electronically transferring thePROFILEs and RESOURCEs therebetween; (b) means for allowing any clientof any SERVERs to obtain access to all of the stored PROFILEs on theREGIONAL SERVERS and means for allowing any client to electronicallyorder delivery of any RESOURCE on the LOCAL SERVERS described in aPROFILE accessed by the client, said PROFILEs being stored on databasedifferent to the RESOURCEs database; and computer file names associatedwith at least some RESOURCEs, and in which said PROFILEs exist, inaddition to said file names.
 15. A computerized collection of electronicdatabases, each under independent control as to data content,comprising:(a) multiple SERVERs, the SERVERs being grouped into LOCALSERVERs and REGIONAL SERVERs, each of the LOCAL SERVERs comprising meansfor storing RESOURCEs therein, each of the REGIONAL SERVERs comprisingmeans for storing multiple PROFILEs, each of the PROFILEs descriptive ofa respective RESOURCE within a LOCAL SERVER, wherein the LOCAL andREGIONAL SERVERs are linked together for electronically transferring thePROFILEs and RESOURCEs therebetween; (b) means for allowing any clientof any SERVER to obtain access to all of the stored PROFILEs on theREGIONAL SERVERs and means for allowing any client to electronicallyorder delivery of any RESOURCE on the LOCAL SERVERS described in aPROFILE accessed by the client, and (c) means for allowing a provider ofa new RESOURCE to limit access to the RESOURCE to selected clients ofthe database.
 16. A computerized collection of electronic databases,each under independent control as to data content, comprising:(a)multiple SERVERs, the SERVERs being grouped into LOCAL SERVERs andREGIONAL SERVERs, each of the LOCAL SERVERs comprising means for storingRESOURCEs in electronic databases thereon, each of the REGIONAL SERVERscomprising means for storing PROFILEs of RESOURCEs associated with oneor more of the LOCAL SERVERs in electronic databases thereon, each ofthe PROFILEs containing descriptive information about one or more of theRESOURCEs, wherein the LOCAL and REGIONAL SERVERs are linked togetherfor electronically transferring the PROFILEs and RESOURCEs therebetween;(b) means for allowing a client of any SERVER to generate a list of thecontents of all electronic databases on the LOCAL and REGIONAL SERVERs;and (c) means for allowing a provider of a new RESOURCE to limit accessto the RESOURCE to selected clients of the database.
 17. A computerizedgroup of REPOSITORIES, each containing data RESOURCEs stored in varioustypes of media, and each administered independently, comprising:(a) oneor more REPOSITORIES, each of the REPOSITORIES comprising one or moreSERVERs, the SERVERs being grouped into LOCAL SERVERs and REGIONALSERVERs, each of the LOCAL SERVERs comprising means for storingRESOURCEs therein, each of the REGIONAL SERVERs comprising means forstoring PROFILEs of RESOURCEs associated with one or more of the LOCALSERVERs therein, each of the PROFILEs containing descriptive informationabout one or more of the RESOURCEs, wherein the LOCAL and REGIONALSERVERs are linked together for electronically transferring the PROFILEsand RESOURCEs therebetween; and (b) means for allowing a client of anyREPOSITORY to select one or more of the following options:(i) option toview a descriptive list of all RESOURCEs contained in all REPOSITORIES;(ii) option to select a type of media and view a list of all RESOURCEsstored on the selected type of media; (iii) option to view a list of allRESOURCEs stored in a particular REPOSITORY; (c) means for allowing saidclient to run a search of the description list, and (d) means forallowing a provider of a new RESOURCE to limit access to the RESOURCE toselected clients of the database.